Katie Hague

Head of Buying and Wholesale across Men's, Women's and kids apparel

Head of the Men's and Women's buying department at The Gym King Limited.

Ladies premium sportswear and lifestyle branded apparel buyer for JD Sports, across a UK and International store portfolio.

Six years buying experience at Republic Retail across womenswear and menswear, giving me the benefit of an understanding and knowledge of both markets. As Buyer for the menswear Soul Cal brand I had responsibility of an annual turnover of £30m. During my career at Republic I launched two new brands, managing all stages of the entry to market from buying of the range through to Marketing/VM/imagery. High level of responsibility within a small buying team enabled me to work at a senior level at an early stage of my career reporting directly to the head of buying and buying director to support and contribute to the development and selection of the ranges. Responsibilities include range building and planning, product sourcing (both UK and overseas), managing an Assistant Buyer, building and maintaining strong working relationships with a UK and International supplier base, negotiating prices and lead times, problem solving, presenting product ranges to management, QC and technical input, trading the current range, attending trade and range review meetings and leading supplier meetings. International research and buying trips include - LA and San Diego to style photo shoot campaigns, Hong Kong/China/Shanghai/Tokyo and Istanbul on product development and factory tours. In addition to buying I also have 3 months experience working as an Assistant merchandiser within the same company, this taught me valuable skills in excel, running reports on retail systems, allocating and managing stock levels, booking goods, dealing with enquiries at store level and with warehousing issues.

Junior buyer reporting directly to the buying director

Work Experience; Buying Department, Aug 2006; Welbeck Street, London Attended meetings with UK and international suppliers, fit sessions, comprised a comparative shopping report analysis on Oxford Street, gained experience in buying, merchandising and design. Worked with the assistant buyer to chase suppliers, seal samples and present best and worst selling items to the senior buyer. Developed skills in negotiation, critical path, technical awareness and creative input into ranges.

Team member of a children's clothing store. Completed regular individual and team goals to achieve in-store incentives and bonuses. Experience working with the general public, in the stockroom, on the till, and visual merchandising.

Betty's and Taylor's Group, Harrogate Responsibilities in marketing, advertising and PR departments. Developed problem solving, team building and computer related skills.

2;1 Textile and Fashion Management